Micro Grants

Geographic Scope: Schenectady County, NY

Impact Statement: Organizations will have access to seed funding to plan, research, and pilot new initiatives that foster innovation and build stronger connections within the community.

Purpose: Address requests of $10,000 or less. Often utilized for planning, research, and development of future projects, or to get pilot projects off the ground.

Key Information

• Part of the Foundation's $1.3 million in total grants and scholarships for 2026
• Included in "Micro Grants, Sponsorships and Special Initiative Funds" category with projected investment of $165,000
• Has invested over $35 million into communities to date
• Foundation prioritizes initiatives with clear, measurable outcomes and transformative potential

Typical Uses

• Planning and research
• Development of future projects
• Pilot projects
• Seed funding for new initiatives

Contact Information

• Email: spawlusik@schenectadyfoundation.org or info@schenectadyfoundation.org
• Phone: (518) 393-9500
• Mailing Address: The Schenectady Foundation, PO Box 710, Schenectady, NY 12301
• Contact Person: Sofia Pawlusik

Office Hours for Applicant Support

• Tuesdays: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Wednesdays: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Available by email, phone, or Zoom

Grant Application Process

Two-Step Online Process:

1. Letter of Inquiry (LOI) Submission
- Submit through Foundation's online grant portal
- Provides general overview of proposed project and associated outcomes
- Foundation responds to appropriate and complete LOIs within 10 days
- Applicants may be asked to submit additional information or meet with Foundation staff
- Approved LOIs gain access to full grant application

2. Full Grant Application
- Submit through Foundation's online grant portal
- Must meet all requirements for substance, accuracy, and completeness
- Forwarded to Foundation's Distribution Committee for consideration
- Foundation meets with each applicant in a grant conference

Key Application Guidance

• Demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes (high priority)
• Show how clients and program beneficiaries are engaged in the work
• Demonstrate that service users are listened to and have influence on design and delivery
• Foundation staff available to guide applicants on outcomes
• Review Outcomes Terms for common understanding
• Review Criteria and Eligibility before applying

Support Available

• Office hours twice weekly for applicant support
• Support series videos available
• Applicants always welcome to reach out at any time
• Contact Sofia Pawlusik for assistance: spawlusik@schenectadyfoundation.org or (518) 393-9500

Timeline After Decision

• Notification of funding decisions approximately 2 weeks after grant conferences
• 2-3 weeks for funds processing and check issuance after grant agreement signed